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Puncture-vine

Tribulus terrestris

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in dunes, sandy roadsides, sandbars, ballast. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

-15
Harmful

Not native to Louisiana. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
6 inches–1 foot
Spread
3–6 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to somewhat dry

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Louisiana.

At a glance

Life cycle
Annual
Bloom
March to December

Not yet recorded · Leaves

Recorded in 7 Louisiana parishes.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 3

Coastal dunes and beaches

Open sand of beaches, dunes and the hollows between them.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

Streams, rivers and their banks

Flowing water and its banks, bars and rocky shoals.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Zygophyllaceae
Flower color
Yellow

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Puncture Vine

Conservation status

Louisiana rankSNA
Global rankGNR
LA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Native alternatives

Find natives for your garden

Sources